Webster Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

to be before in doing; to do or take before another; to preclude or prevent by prior action

Anticipate(verb)

to take up or introduce beforehand, or before the proper or normal time; to cause to occur earlier or prematurely; as, the advocate has anticipated a part of his argument

Anticipate(verb)

to foresee (a wish, command, etc.) and do beforehand that which will be desired

Anticipate(verb)

to foretaste or foresee; to have a previous view or impression of; as, to anticipate the pleasures of a visit; to anticipate the evils of life

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

Anticipate

an-tis′ip-āt, v.t. to be beforehand with (another person or thing), to forestall or preoccupy: to take in hand, or consider, before the due time: to foresee: realise beforehand, or count upon as certain: to expect.—v.t. and v.i. to accelerate: to occur earlier than.—adj. and n.Antic′ipant, anticipating, anticipative.—n.Anticipā′tion, act of anticipating: assignment to too early a time: foretaste: previous notion, or presentiment: expectation.—adjs.Anti′cipātive, Anti′cipātory.—advs.Anticipā′tively, Anticipā′torily (rare). [L. anticipāre, -ātum—ānte, before, cap-ĕre, to take.]